Botanical Name: Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’

Common Name: Dead Nettle

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

Mature Size: 6–8" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Creeping, Mat-Forming Groundcover

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (handles morning sun well)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adaptable to Most Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Spring to Early Summer

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Shade Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Clean Growth Habit, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Groundcover, Shade Borders, Under Trees, Woodland Gardens, Edging

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Lamium Plant Guide for full care details.

More Information About Lamium 'White Nancy'

Lamium ‘White Nancy’ is one of the most elegant and refined Dead Nettle varieties we grow, prized for its bright silver foliage and crisp white flowers that appear in Spring. The leaves are boldly silver with narrow green margins, creating a clean, luminous look that immediately brightens shaded beds. Even when not in bloom, the foliage carries the planting with a cool, polished presence that reflects available light and softens darker corners of the garden. In heavily shaded areas where color can feel flat, ‘White Nancy’ acts almost like a living highlight, lifting the entire composition.

Its low, creeping habit allows it to form a dense, uniform mat that suppresses weeds while remaining tidy and predictable. Unlike more aggressive groundcovers, it spreads with intention, filling in gaps without climbing into shrubs or overwhelming neighboring perennials. The growth pattern stays even and controlled, which makes it especially useful in formal or structured shade designs. In mild climates, including our Zone 8a conditions, much of the foliage persists through Winter, extending its value and maintaining structure when many other perennials have gone dormant.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘White Nancy’ consistently performed as one of the cleanest and most reliable Lamium selections available. It established steadily, filled space evenly, and held its silver coloration beautifully in bright shade without scorching or dulling. Even during humid Summers, the foliage stayed fresh-looking with minimal intervention beyond occasional edge trimming. We have found it particularly dependable in amended clay soils, provided drainage is reasonable.

We especially like it for high-visibility shade areas near walkways, entry paths, and seating spaces where brightness and structure matter. When paired with deep green shrubs, hostas, or ferns, the silver foliage creates contrast and layering that feels intentional and composed. It does not shout for attention, but it quietly elevates everything around it. For gardeners seeking long-term consistency and a refined groundcover that performs season after season, ‘White Nancy’ continues to earn its place in our designs.

White Nancy vs. Other Lamium Varieties

Compared to Red Nancy, White Nancy delivers a cooler, more refined look in the landscape. Both share the same tidy, low-growing habit and bright silver foliage, but White Nancy’s pure white flowers create a cleaner, more structured appearance, especially in formal shade borders. Red Nancy introduces warmth with its pink-red blooms, while White Nancy excels where contrast and brightness are the primary goals. In mixed plantings, White Nancy tends to blend more seamlessly with darker greens and architectural shade plants.

When compared to Purple Dragon and Golden Anniversary, White Nancy stands out for its balance and restraint. Purple Dragon offers bolder color and faster spread, making it better suited for large or naturalized areas, whereas White Nancy remains controlled and predictable over time. Golden Anniversary relies on chartreuse foliage for impact, bringing warmth to shade, while White Nancy provides crisp contrast without drawing too much attention to itself. Among Lamium varieties, White Nancy is often the best choice when a polished, timeless groundcover is desired rather than bold color or rapid coverage.